Electric switch



rc 1933- F. RIEBEL, JR... ET AL 1,901

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed June 3, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l rim 2/ v *tg ii i INVENTOR. fr-

flank/wk [Wake/J. $7. and

ATTORNEY):

March 14, 1933.

F. RIEBEL, JR., El AL ELECTRIC SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 3, 1931 Ill 3 J m J g N m Via." m MA n mM r wfl any r 8 ID aw Patented Mar. 14, .1933

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FREDERICK RIEBEL, JR. AND DEWEY M. DOW, OF TOLEDO, OHIO, ASSIGNORS TO AIR- WAY ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CORPORATION, OF TOLEDO, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE ELECTRIC SWITCH Application filed Ll'une 3,

The present invention relating as indicated to an electric switch, has more particular reference to a novel type of switch assembly adapted to be installed upon a cylindrical or tubular support. A preferred embodiment of the construction illustrative of the v principle of our invention is most precisely adapted for use with portable electric household appliances such as a vacuum cleaner, for example.

One of the objects of-the invention is to provide a switch actuating means which shall not have any protruding levers or buttons Which are susceptible of being moved upon contact with exterior objects. Another object is to provide a unit assembly construction which may be readily and conveniently assembled or installed. Another object is to provide a switch assembly in which the switch unit requires no fastening screws for retention in the switch housing. A further advantage of our construction resides in the provision of means for insuring against misplacement of the switch mechanism in the switch housing. Further advantageous features commending the novelty of our instant invention shall become. apparent as the description proceeds. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means. hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain. mechanism embodying\the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view'showing the switch assembly'in position upon a tubular vacuum cleaner handle; Fig. 2 is an elevational view taken at right angles to Fig. 1 and with one of the switch housing end plates removed; Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional plan views of the toggle switch mechanism; Fig. 5 is a sectional view of Fig. 1; Figs. 6' and 7 are additional plan views of the toggle switch mechanism and contacting arms; and Fig. 8

1931. Serial No. 541,784.

is a perspective view of the cylindrical switch actuating ring.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1, our device is composed of the switch housing 1 having the vertically extending annular supporting ring 2 cast integral therewith. End caps 3 and 4 are fastened to the ends of the switch housing -1 by means of the screws 5'-5 and 6-6. A filter bag bracket support 7 carrying the slidable brackets 8 and finger levers 9 may be secured to the bottom side of the switch housing 1. The function of the bracket support 7 is more completely described in our co-pending application Serial N o. 538,- 638, filed May 20, 1931.

An actuator ring 10 formed of insulating material is positioned adjacent the supporting ring 2. Both of the last two mentioned members are adapted to encircle the tubular vacuum cleaner handle elements 11 and 12. An electric cord 13 enters one end of the switch housing 1 through the end plate 3. The other end plate 4 carries the cord guard spring 14 and the current supply cord 15. A cord hook 16 as shown in Fig. 2 is secured tothe side of the switch housing 1 in order to carry the extension cord 15 when the vacuum cleaner is not in use.

Directing attention particularly to Figs.

bers 19 and 20 of insulation material and is,

adapted to be inserted'into the switch housing 1 through the open end thereof. A lever arm 21 is adapted to reciprocate the U-shaped switch arm carriage 22. A spring mounted toggle pin 23 engages with the rock lever 21 and functions to impart a snap action to the reciprocation, of the moving switch parts. Terminals 24 and 25 are intended to electrically connect with the ends of the cords 15 and 13 respectively. The switch, arm carriage .22 has secured thereto the metallic switch arms 31 and 32 which are adapted to make and break contact .with the knife edge termi- 1 nals 33 and 34 respectively. The dotted lines in Figs. 5 and 7 illustrate the positions of the switch arms 31 and 32 when the switch mechanism is in open circuit position.

The knurled switch actuating ring 10 car-.

rotational movement. Additional movementlimiting means are provided by means of the shoulders 38 and 39 which are adapted to bear against the projection 40 on the end plate 4:.

Referring to Fig. 5, when it is desirous to install the switch assembly upon the handle of a vacuum cleaner which is composed of a tubular member 11 in engagement with. the smaller tube 12, an interior annular groove '42 is placed in the annular portion 2. In

this manner the switch assembly willserve as a strengthening device at the juncture of the. tubes 11 and 12. It may also be found expedient to insert the retaining screws 43 in order to more securely fasten the switch housing 1 to the tubes 11 and 12. w a

In order to insure the correct position of vthe switch mechanism in the switch housing 1, there is provided the inwardly extendlnglug 45 as is clearly illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. A complementary recess {16 in the insulated block 20 is adapted to register with the lug 45. Fig. 6 shows the switch mechanism in incorrect position in which case the insulated blocks 19 and 20 project beyond the switch housing 1 so that it is impossible to secure thereto the end plate 4. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. '7, when the recess 46 is in proper registry with the-lug 45, the insulated blocks 19 and 20 are flush-witg the end of the switch housing 1 and the plate 4 may then be secured in position.

One of the important features of the present invention is the arrangement of a switch assembly in encircling relation to a suction cleaner handle which extends, unbroken, through the switch asseinbly. Such a construction is much stronger and ,more

durable than one in which for instance the switch mechanism was built into the tubular handle.

Another important feature is the provisior of an openable switch housing, secured to the cleaner handle, and a self-contained switch unit enclosed therein and removable therefrom. Such a self-contained switch unit may be built into an open frame, so that its parts are easily accessible for repair, yet is fully protected. by the housing when installed therein. The arrangement of the housing ,With end openings makes it possible to attach the motor cord andsupply cord to opposite ends of the unit, and to bring them through and encircling the handle.

ing of an actuatorring which can be slipped over the end of the cleaner handle to allow removal of the switch unit. Such a ring must be larger than the handle. To obtain a v snug mounting for the ring in its assembled relation, it is oscillatorily mounted upon the supporting ring of the housing.

Other modes of applying the principle of our invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of'such stated means be employed.

We therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as our invention 1; In combination with a handle, a supporting ring encircling said handle and thereby supported, a switch housing carried by said ring and projecting from one side of the handle, and a switch actuator ring oscillatorily mounted on said supporting ring and encircling the handle 2. In combinationiwith a handle, a supporting ring encircling said handle and thereby supported, a switch housing formed integrally with one side of said ring and supported thereby in a position projecting from one side of the handle, and an actuator ring oscillatorily mounted on said supporting ring 3. In combination with a, handle, a switch assembly through which said handle extends, comprising a supporting ring encircling said handle and thereby supported, a switch housing carried by said ring and supported thereby, switch mechanism in the housing, and an actuator rin encirclin the handle adjacent the supporting ring an operatively' connected to the switch unit.

4. In combination with a suction cleaner handle, a switch mounting secured to said handle, a switch unit carried by said mounting, an actuator ring through which said handle extends continuously so as to embody ample strength, said actuator ring oscillatoril encircling and journalled against said han 1e and portion of said mounting, and an operative connection between said actuator ring' and the switch unit, extending through an opening in said mounting.

5. In combination with a suction cleaner handle, a switch housing secured exterior-1y thereto on one side thereof, switch mecha-.

nism in saidhousing, and an actuator ring encircling said handle and having a portion projecting into said housing and'operatvely connected to said switchinechanism. I

6. In combinationwitha suction cleaner handle, a switch housing secured exteriorly thereto on one side, thereof, switch mechanism in said housing, and an actuator ring encircling said handle, said housing being cut away to provide an opening facing the handle, and an operative connection between said ring and the switch mechanism, extending through said opening.

7. In combination with a suction cleaner handle, a supporting ring encircling the handle and thereby supported, a switch housing carried by said ring and positioned exteriorly of the handle with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel with the handle, said ring and housing together in side elevation having a T shaped formation, a switch unit in the housing, an actuator ring encircling the handle and lying adjacent said supporting ring, and an operative connection between said actuator ring and the switch unit extending through an opening in the housing facing the handle.

8. In combination with a suction cleaner handle, a switch mounting secured to said. I handle, a switch unit carr ed b said mount-,

ing, an actuator ring throng which said handle extends continuously so as to embody ample strength, said actuator ring-7 oscillaand an operative connection between the actuator and the switch mechanism, extending through an opening in the housing.

11. In a suction cleaner, a handle, switch housing means carried thereby and projecting on one side thereof, switch mechanism in the housing means, through said housing means, lying close to the surface of the handle and oscillatory therearound, and an operative connection between the actuator and the switch mechanism, the housing means retainin the actiiator against movement axially o the hand e.

12. In combination with a suction cleaner handle comprising a tubular portion and an extension portion telescoped therein at one end, a switch housing, and a supporting ring on which the housing is carried exteriorly of the handle, said ring covering the joint between said handle portions.

13. In combination with a suction cleaner handle comprising a tubular portion and an extension portion telesco d thereinat one end, a switch housing, an a supporting ring for oscillatory movement around on which the housing is carried 'exteriorly of the handle, said ring covering the Joint between said handle portions and enggged against the end of said tubular portion, mg

thereby properly positioned relative to handle.

Signed by us this 29th day of May, 1931.

FREDERICK RIEBEL, JR. DEWEY, M. DOW.

an vactuator extending the 1 

